Melbourne Heart have the talent to make the finals for the first time, away form is all that’s standing in their way.
Team: Melbourne Heart
Current position: Fifth | 27 points
The run home: Wellington Phoenix (a), Adelaide United (h), Wanderers FC (h), Brisbane Roar (a), Central Coast Mariners (a)
The question: Can they get away points?
The Heart might have been pretty good at times when they have been at home, but their away form is scandalous. Four points from a possible 33 is what John Aloisi-s men have picked up on the road. That is simply abysmal.
And the last time they picked up anything was a 0-0 draw with a weak Sky Blues back in Round Nine, before that it was a derby shock over the Victory in Round One.
So with three of their remaining five being on the road it-s imperative they turn that around immediately. If they don-t they can kiss their finals hopes goodbye yet again.
The big match: Round 24 v Adelaide United
The Heart and Reds have split their fixtures thus far this season, but when it comes to their season this might be the most important match for the red and white side.
The high-flying Reds much like the Heart have had their struggles on the road this season and could be ripe for the picking, and with John Aloisi-s side trying to stay in touch with the top six, a win over a top-three side could be vital.
The Player: Eli Babalj
He hasn-t exactly set the league on fire since his return to the A-league and with no Josip Tadic in the side, Babalj needs to stand up and be counted.
There-s no doubt he can finish a move, but for Heart to be successful he has to be stronger when holding the ball up for the likes of David Williams, Fred and Nick Kalmar, and if he can-t do that then the chance will fall to Dylan Macallister.
We say: They-ve always struggled to make the finals but after a potential season-turning win over Sydney FC, the Heart might be on their way. The only obstacle they need to overcome is their away form. If they can do that they will be there.
Prediction: Sixth | 33 points
